RAG Demo

Tag: Launched 2022

  • Nothing Phone (1)

    The Nothing Phone (1) launched in India in July 2022 at Rs 32,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, and its arrival was one of the most hyped launches of the year. Carl Pei's new company built the phone around a transparent back with Glyph Interface LED strips that light up for calls, notifications and charging status, a design that genuinely looked unlike anything else on sale.

    Beneath the lights is a solid mid-range package. The 6.55-inch flexible OLED has uniform bezels and runs at 120Hz, and the Snapdragon 778G+ provides good everyday performance, though behind the Snapdragon 870 in rivals like the iQOO Neo 6. Nothing OS 1.0 is a clean, quick skin over Android 12 with custom widgets and a dot-matrix font.

    The dual 50 MP cameras, a Sony IMX766 main with OIS and a Samsung JN1 ultrawide, deliver pleasant results in daylight but are ordinary at night. The 4500 mAh battery gives a day of use, with 33W wired, 15W wireless and reverse wireless charging. Against the OnePlus Nord 2T it offered a far more distinctive design and wireless charging, though early software bugs hurt its reputation.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 32,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2022
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.55-inch, Flexible OLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 778G+
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 50 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery4500 mAh
    Charging33W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 12, Nothing OS 1.0
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight193.5 g
    ColoursWhite, Black

    What we like

    • Unique transparent design with Glyph lights
    • Uniform bezels on a 120Hz OLED
    • Wireless charging at this price
    • Clean Nothing OS

    What could be better

    • Average low-light camera
    • Early software bugs
    • No charger in the box

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a mid-ranger that looks completely different from the crowd while still offering clean, fast software.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (July 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Google Pixel 7

    The Pixel 7 launched in India in October 2022 at Rs 59,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, the first mainline Pixel sold in the country since the Pixel 4 skipped it. Google positioned it as an alternative to the iPhone 14 and Galaxy S22, betting on software, camera processing and a promise of five years of security updates.

    The 6.3-inch OLED runs at 90Hz rather than 120Hz, a noticeable compromise at the price. Google's second-generation Tensor G2 is not as fast as Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in benchmarks and can run warm, but it powers on-device features such as Photo Unblur, Magic Eraser and fast voice typing. The aluminium camera bar and matte frame give it a distinctive look.

    Photography is the reason to buy it. The 50 MP main camera and 12 MP ultrawide deliver consistent, natural results with excellent dynamic range and Night Sight, and video improved noticeably over the Pixel 6. Battery life is adequate rather than great from the 4355 mAh cell, and charging is slow by Indian standards, with no charger in the box.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.3-inch, OLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G2
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera10.8 MP
    Battery4355 mAh
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight197 g
    ColoursObsidian, Snow, Lemongrass

    What we like

    • Excellent point-and-shoot camera
    • Clean Android with useful AI tools
    • Five years of security updates
    • IP68 and wireless charging

    What could be better

    • Only 90Hz display
    • Tensor G2 runs warm
    • Slow charging, no charger in box

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want the most reliable camera and clean Android in a compact flagship.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (October 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Google Pixel 7 Pro

    The Pixel 7 Pro launched in India in October 2022 at Rs 84,999 for 12 GB plus 128 GB, taking on the Galaxy S22 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro. It was Google's most complete phone up to that point, refining the bold camera-bar design of the Pixel 6 Pro with a polished aluminium finish and a slightly less aggressive curve to the display.

    The 6.7-inch LTPO OLED runs at a sharp 1440 x 3120 with a variable 120Hz refresh rate. Tensor G2 is quick in everyday use and excels at speech recognition and image processing, though it trails Snapdragon rivals in gaming and efficiency. Android 13 here felt fluid, with exclusive features such as Call Screen, Recorder transcription and Photo Unblur.

    The triple camera, with a 50 MP main, a 12 MP ultrawide with autofocus for macro shots and a 48 MP 5x telephoto, is among the best of its year. Super Res Zoom stays usable well beyond 10x. The 5000 mAh battery lasts a day, though charging at 23W is slow. Against the S22 Ultra it lacks the S Pen and 10x lens but matches it on overall photo quality.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 84,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G2
    RAM12 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 48 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera10.8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging23W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight212 g
    ColoursObsidian, Snow, Hazel

    What we like

    • Class-leading camera with 5x zoom
    • Sharp 1440p LTPO display
    • Clean software with exclusive Pixel features
    • Premium build with IP68

    What could be better

    • Tensor G2 efficiency and thermals
    • Slow 23W charging
    • Only 128 GB storage in India

    Who should buy it

    Photography enthusiasts who want a top-tier zoom camera and the purest Android experience.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (October 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite

    OnePlus launched the Nord CE 2 Lite in India in April 2022 at Rs 19,999, making it the most affordable OnePlus phone at the time. It targeted buyers who wanted the OnePlus software experience on a budget, and it kept practical features such as a headphone jack and microSD card slot.

    The 6.59-inch LCD runs at 120 Hz with full HD+ resolution, smooth if lacking the contrast of AMOLED. The Snapdragon 695 is efficient and handles daily use well, with moderate gaming possible. The 64 MP main camera produces decent daylight photos, supported by 2 MP depth and macro sensors. A 5,000 mAh battery with 33 W charging gives solid endurance.

    Competitors included the Redmi Note 11 Pro+, the Realme 9 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy M33 and the iQOO Z6. The Realme 9 Pro had very similar hardware, while the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ offered an AMOLED screen and faster charging. The CE 2 Lite appealed mainly for its clean OxygenOS software.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2022
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.59-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorSnapdragon 695
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 2 MP depth + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 12, OxygenOS 12.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight195 g
    ColoursBlack Dusk, Blue Tide

    What we like

    • Clean OxygenOS software
    • Smooth 120 Hz display
    • Headphone jack and microSD slot
    • Good battery life

    What could be better

    • LCD instead of AMOLED
    • Filler depth and macro cameras
    • No IP rating

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want OnePlus software and dependable battery life on an affordable 5G phone.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (April 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • OnePlus 10 Pro

    OnePlus launched the 10 Pro in India in March 2022 at Rs 66,999, continuing its push into true flagship territory. It was the first OnePlus phone to ship with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and carried a distinctive camera module that wraps around the side of the frame. The Indian version charged at 80 W, faster than the 65 W North American model.

    The 6.7-inch LTPO 2.0 AMOLED panel at 1440p is one of the best displays OnePlus has made, with adaptive refresh from 1 to 120 Hz. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is fast but known to run warm under sustained load. Cameras include a 48 MP main, a 50 MP ultrawide with a 150-degree mode, and an 8 MP 3.3x telephoto, all tuned with Hasselblad. Battery is 5,000 mAh with 50 W wireless charging.

    Rivals included the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22+, the iPhone 13 and the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The Galaxy S22 Ultra had a far better zoom, and Samsung offered longer software support. The 10 Pro competed on charging speed, display quality and a cleaner software experience, though the move toward ColorOS-based OxygenOS divided long-time fans.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 66,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, LTPO2 Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, 1440 x 3216
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 1
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 8 MP 3.3x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 12, OxygenOS 12.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight200.5 g
    ColoursVolcanic Black, Emerald Forest

    What we like

    • Excellent 1440p LTPO display
    • 80 W wired and 50 W wireless charging
    • Hasselblad colour tuning
    • Fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 1

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 runs warm
    • Weak 3.3x telephoto
    • No official IP rating in India

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a premium Android display and very fast charging in a 2022 flagship.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • OnePlus 10R

    The OnePlus 10R arrived in India in April 2022 at Rs 38,999 and was essentially a rebranded Realme GT Neo 3, sold under the OnePlus name with OxygenOS. It was the first OnePlus with a MediaTek chip, the Dimensity 8100-Max, and it was offered in two versions: a 5,000 mAh model with 80 W charging and a 4,500 mAh Endurance Edition with 150 W charging.

    The 6.7-inch flat AMOLED runs at 120 Hz and is bright and colourful. The Dimensity 8100-Max delivers strong, efficient performance that holds up well in games. The 50 MP Sony IMX766 main camera has OIS and takes good photos, while the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are average. The boxy design with racing-style stripes, in some colours, marked a departure from the usual OnePlus look.

    Competitors included the iQOO 9 SE, the Xiaomi 11T Pro, the Samsung Galaxy A73 and the Realme GT Neo 3 itself. The Xiaomi 11T Pro offered a faster Snapdragon 888, but the 10R was more efficient and charged faster. Critics noted the absence of the alert slider, a long-standing OnePlus feature.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 38,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2022
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.7-inch, Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2412
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8100-Max
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 12, OxygenOS 12.1
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight186 g
    ColoursForest Green, Sierra Black

    What we like

    • Efficient, fast Dimensity 8100-Max
    • Optional 150 W charging edition
    • Good 50 MP OIS main camera
    • Bright 120 Hz AMOLED

    What could be better

    • No alert slider
    • No IP rating
    • Average secondary cameras

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want fast performance and very quick charging below Rs 40,000.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (April 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone 14 Plus

    Apple launched the iPhone 14 Plus in India in September 2022 at Rs 89,900 for 128 GB, replacing the mini model in the lineup. It offered the large 6.7-inch display that had previously been exclusive to the Pro Max, at a significantly lower price, though it went on sale a few weeks after the regular iPhone 14.

    The Super Retina XDR OLED is big and bright but limited to 60Hz and still uses the notch rather than the Dynamic Island of the Pro models. At 203 g it is lighter than the 14 Pro Max, making it more comfortable for long reading or video sessions. The A15 Bionic with five GPU cores provides smooth performance across all apps.

    Battery life is its standout feature, regularly exceeding that of the 14 Pro Max in everyday use and lasting well into a second day for moderate users. Cameras match the iPhone 14: 12 MP wide with a larger sensor and 12 MP ultrawide, plus an autofocus selfie camera. Sales were reportedly slow, as buyers either chose the cheaper iPhone 14 or stretched to the Pro.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 89,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1284 x 2778
    ProcessorApple A15 Bionic (5-core GPU)
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery4325 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 16
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight203 g
    ColoursMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, (PRODUCT)RED

    What we like

    • Excellent battery life
    • Large 6.7-inch screen
    • Lighter than the Pro Max
    • Reliable cameras for video

    What could be better

    • 60Hz display
    • Notch instead of Dynamic Island
    • Older A15 chip

    Who should buy it

    iPhone users who want a big screen and long battery life without paying Pro Max prices.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone 14 Pro

    Apple launched the iPhone 14 Pro in India in September 2022 at Rs 1,29,900 for 128 GB. It replaced the notch with the Dynamic Island, a pill-shaped cutout that expands into live notifications for timers, music, calls and navigation. It was the first iPhone with an always-on display and the debut of the A16 Bionic chip.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with ProMotion scales from 1Hz to 120Hz and reaches very high outdoor brightness. The stainless steel frame and textured matte glass feel premium, but the 206 g weight makes it dense for its size. Performance from the A16 Bionic was class-leading, and the phone remained cool in most workloads.

    The main camera moved to a 48 MP quad-pixel sensor with a 2x crop mode, joined by a 12 MP ultrawide and 12 MP 3x telephoto. ProRAW at 48 MP gave photographers more flexibility, and video quality set the standard against the Galaxy S22 Ultra and Pixel 7 Pro. Battery life is good for a full day, while charging remains slower than most Android flagships.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 129,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO, ProMotion, 120Hz, 1179 x 2556
    ProcessorApple A16 Bionic
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 12 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3200 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 16
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight206 g
    ColoursSpace Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple

    What we like

    • Dynamic Island and always-on display
    • 48 MP main camera with ProRAW
    • Class-leading video
    • Fast A16 Bionic

    What could be better

    • Heavy for its size
    • Slow charging
    • Expensive in India
    • Lightning port with USB 2 speeds

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact iPhone with the best cameras and display Apple offered in 2022.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

    The iPhone 14 Pro Max launched in India in September 2022 at Rs 1,39,900 for 128 GB. It shares every feature of the 14 Pro, including the Dynamic Island, always-on display and A16 Bionic, but stretches the screen to 6.7 inches and adds a much larger battery. It became the most aspirational phone in Apple's 2022 lineup.

    The 6.7-inch ProMotion OLED at 1290 x 2796 is extremely bright outdoors and smooth at up to 120Hz. The stainless steel frame makes it heavy at 240 g, and long one-handed use is tiring. Performance from the A16 Bionic was top of the charts, and it handled demanding games and 4K ProRes video with ease.

    Cameras are identical to the 14 Pro: 48 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 12 MP 3x telephoto, with excellent colour consistency and video stabilisation. The big battery delivers among the best endurance of any phone of its year, often lasting into a second day. Against the Galaxy S22 Ultra, it lacked a 10x lens and stylus but won on video and long-term software support.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 139,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO, ProMotion, 120Hz, 1290 x 2796
    ProcessorApple A16 Bionic
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 12 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery4323 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 16
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight240 g
    ColoursSpace Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple

    What we like

    • Outstanding battery life
    • Large, very bright ProMotion display
    • Excellent video recording
    • Dynamic Island

    What could be better

    • Very heavy at 240 g
    • Slow charging
    • Expensive

    Who should buy it

    Heavy users who want the biggest screen and longest battery life in a 2022 iPhone.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)

    Apple launched the third-generation iPhone SE in India in March 2022 at Rs 43,900 for 64 GB. It reused the iPhone 8 design, complete with thick bezels, a Home button with Touch ID and a 4.7-inch screen, but inside it carried the same A15 Bionic as the iPhone 13 and added 5G support for the first time on an SE.

    The 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD at 750 x 1334 looks dated next to OLED Android phones at this price, such as the OnePlus 10R or Galaxy A73. The upside is a tiny, 144 g phone that is easy to use with one hand. Performance is excellent, far beyond any Android phone in its price band, and iOS updates were expected to continue for many years.

    There is a single 12 MP rear camera, which benefits from the A15's image processing and handles daylight well, but it lacks Night mode and an ultrawide lens. The small battery is the major weakness and heavy users will struggle to reach the evening. It has IP67 water resistance and wireless charging, making it a practical choice for those who want Touch ID and a compact phone.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 43,900 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2022
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display4.7-inch, Retina HD LCD, 60Hz, 750 x 1334
    ProcessorApple A15 Bionic
    RAM4 GB
    Storage64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras12 MP wide
    Front camera7 MP
    Battery2018 mAh
    Software at launchiOS 15.4
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight144 g
    ColoursMidnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED

    What we like

    • Flagship A15 performance
    • Very compact and light
    • Touch ID Home button
    • Long iOS support

    What could be better

    • Dated design with thick bezels
    • Weak battery life
    • No Night mode or ultrawide
    • 64 GB base storage

    Who should buy it

    People who want the cheapest new iPhone with Touch ID in a small, familiar body.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.